1926-S Lincoln Cent A Conditional Key in Mint State Red
May 28, 2026
There’s no question that the 1909-S VDB “penny” is the key to the Lincoln Cent series. It’s also undisputed that the next three business-strike key dates are the 1909-S, 1914-D, and 1931-S Lincoln Cents. Add in some popular varieties, such as the 1922 Plain (No D) Lincoln Cent and the 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent, as well as the legendary off-metal transitional error known as the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent, and you have a true cavalcade of sought-after coins.
However, there are also conditional rarities, or coins that may not necessarily be rare in lower grades but are extremely challenging in higher grades. One of the toughest Lincoln Cents in Mint State Red is none other than the 1926-S, a semi-scarce coin in the lower circulated grades and a true challenge in the grade of MS65RD.
From PCGS